A short history of the Working Cocker Spaniel

Ok, so as you probably know, we've got a wonderful 'Working' Cocker Spaniel called Lola. I should add she's never worked a day in her life, but I've always wondered a few of things, like; Why are they called Spaniels, Why Cocker Spaniels and specifically why Working Cocker Spaniel?

Here is the simple truth behind it, as I understand it...

Why are they called Spaniels?

The term appears to stem from the Anglo-French word espaigneul (or Old French espagneul), literally meaning "Spanish [dog]" or "dog of Spain". 

There is research to suggest early lines of 'Spaniels' may have been brought into England when the Celts moved from Spain to England, c.900BC! There is also evidence to suggest the true origins of Spaniels may go back even further and originate in Asia. 

Why Cocker Spaniels?

There is less conjecture around the etymology of 'Cocker', than the origins of 'Spaniel'. In simple terms the word Cocker was added to a strain of Spaniels, specifically bred to flush out the Eurasian Woodcock from dense thickets of undergrowth like gauze and brambles. (So someone with a shotgun could then shoot it).

 Image of Eurasian Woodcock retrieved from the field by a modern-day Working Cocker Spaniel

 Image of a Eurasian Woodcock

Same but different

Man had already perfected the bundle of energy that is the working line, but in the early 20th century, further selective breading developed cockers more suitable for the fashion of the day; showing. Show breeders prioritised a domed head, a more compact, squarer frame and those iconic, pendulous ears. That, combined with a heavier feathering created quite a different looking dog from those working class types, ideally suited for long days in the field.

Image showing a modern day Working Cocker (left) and a Show Cocker (right)

Naturally, it is the show cocker line that the Kennel Club deem as the breed standard. Unlike, for example, the Springer or the King Charles, which are officially recognised as separate breeds, the working cocker is not. I personally believe there is enough difference to justify a working cocker spaniel as it's own breed. You may well see working lines taking part in the various agility competition at Crufts, but a working strain will never be taking home best in show, any time soon. Sorry working cockers, essentially you are cocker spaniels but, not ones the meet the breed standards. 

  Image of a show line Cocker Spaniel at a showground

Is it just the looks that are different?

From having a working cocker spaniel, speaking to owners of show lines and meeting countless numbers of each strain over the years, it clearly does seem that there are some differences of temperament between the two lines. This does make sense if you think about the two different jobs each line has been bred to excel at. If you're a working doggo in the field you'll need boundless amounts of energy and an innate eagerness to please, lines with high energy levels and obedience would certainly have been favoured when breeding. Their show line counterparts would not have needed such levels of energy, so it figures selective breeding would have prioritised other traits. It's not that the show cockers are not energetic or indeed willing to please, but the working cocker it another level!

Should I get a working cocker (as a pet)?

If you're thinking of getting a working line - if you put in enough effort early on - you will end up with the most loyal, astute, fun-loving, energetic dog you could every wish for. An action packed, pocket-rocket of a dog that, at the end of the day, will also curl up on the sofa and shower you with affection. Compared to a show line the coat maintenance is much easier and thanks to shorter ears, ear infections are less common. Just be prepared to ensure they get at least 2 walks a day, or one big one and don't leave them - as with any dog - more than a couple of hours on their own. 

If you have one, I'm sure you can testify to that. If you're about to get one, you're in for a treat!

Lola looking for Squirrels (in the absence of any Woodcock) 

Dan,

Bark & Vibe